Policy SI 14 — Waterways – strategic role

Policy SI 14 Waterways – strategic role A Development Plans and development proposals should address the strategic importance of London’s network of linked waterways, including the River Thames, and should seek to maximise their multifunctional social, economic and environmental benefits. B To ensure coordination and alignment at the interface between terrestrial and marine planning, Development Plans and development proposals should take account of the emerging Marine Spatial Plans prepared by the Marine Management Organisation. C Boroughs are encouraged to work together on policies or other appropriate area-based strategies that address cross-boundary waterways issues. D To reflect the distinctiveness of areas that specifically relate to the River Thames, relevant Development Plans should designate, and ensure the maintenance of, Thames Policy Areas (TPAs). Setting the boundary of TPAs should be done in consultation with neighbouring boroughs, including those across the river. Boroughs are encouraged to plan for TPAs through joint Thames Strategies. E Joint Thames Strategies and other area-based joint waterways strategies should consider: • the local character of the river/waterway • water-based passenger and freight transport nodes • development sites and regeneration opportunities • opportunities for environmental/ecological and urban design improvements • sites of ecological, historic, or archaeological importance • sites, buildings, structures, landscapes and views of particular sensitivity or importance • focal points of public activity • inclusive public access • strategic cultural value • recreation and marine infrastructure • river crossings and other structures • indicative flood risk and water quality. 9.14.1 The term ‘waterways’ does not only refer to the River Thames, its tributary rivers and canals, but also to other water spaces including docks, lakes and reservoirs. This network of linked waterways – also known as the Blue Ribbon Network – is of strategic importance for London. Every London borough contains some waterways – 17 border the Thames and 15 contain canals (see Figure 9.6). 9.14.2 London’s waterways are multifunctional assets . They provide transport and recreation corridors; green infrastructure; a series of diverse and important habitats; a unique backdrop for important heritage assets, including World Heritage Sites, landscapes, views, cultural and community activities; as well as drainage, flood and water management and urban cooling functions. As such, they provide environmental, economic and health and wellbeing benefits for Londoners and play a key role in place making. They also provide a home for Londoners living on boats. The waterways are protected and their water-related use – in particular safe and sustainable passenger and freight transport, tourism, cultural, community and recreational activities, as well as biodiversity – is promoted. Many of these functions are also supported by boroughs’ local Riverside Strategies, the Environment Agency’s Thames River Basin Management Plan and the Port of London Authority’s Vision for the Thames. In addition to the Thames, other water spaces, and in particular canals, have a distinct value and significance for London and Londoners. Figure 9.6 - London’s Network of Waterways (the Blue Ribbon Network) Figure 9.6 - London’s Network of Waterways (the Blue Ribbon Network) 9.14.3 The Thames and London Waterways Forum [174] has been established jointly by the GLA, TfL and the Port of London Authority to address waterways priorities set out in this Plan, the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, the London Environment Strategy and the Port of London Authority’s Vision for the Thames. 9.14.4 As London’s waterways cross borough boundaries, it is important to plan for their management strategically. Boroughs are encouraged to work together to develop appropriate policies or joint area-based waterways strategies to maximise the multifunctional benefits waterways provide. 9.14.5 The River Thames is a strategically-important and iconic feature of London. It is a focal point for London’s identity reflecting its heritage, natural and landscape values as well as cultural opportunities. Its character changes on its way through London. Where Thames Policy Areas (TPAs) are not defined in Development Plans, the boundaries defined in Figure 9.7 apply. Within TPAs, lower-height thresholds for referable planning applications apply (25m compared to 30m elsewhere). 9.14.6 In defining TPA boundaries , boroughs should work collaboratively and have regard to the following: proximity to the Thames clear visual links between areas, buildings and the river specific geographical features such as main roads, railway lines and hedges the whole curtilage of properties or sites adjacent to the Thames areas and buildings whose functions relate or link to the Thames areas and buildings that have an historic, archaeological or cultural association with the Thames consistent boundaries with neighbouring authorities. 9.14.7 Joint Thames Strategies should specifically identify and address deficiencies in: water-based passenger, tourism and freight transport; sport, leisure and mooring facilities; marine support infrastructure; and inclusive access and safety provision. Thames Strategies are in place for Hampton–Kew, Kew-Chelsea and East (of Tower Bridge). No joint strategy currently exists for the central section of the Thames (Chelsea-Tower Bridge). Figure 9.7 - Thames Policy Areas Figure 9.7 - Thames Policy Areas 9.14.8 The interface between terrestrial land-side and marine planning is at the centre of on-going coordination and engagement with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The South East Inshore Marine Plan is currently under development as part of a suite of Marine Spatial Plans [175] under the Marine Policy Statement. It covers the coastline from Felixstowe to Dover, including the tidal Thames. Development Plans and development proposals should London Plan Policy SI 14 · official source →